Introduction and aim

The last decade has seen pharmacists stepping out of traditional roles in community and hospital pharmacy and into newer roles in the Health Authority (HA)¹ and general practice, and more recently in primary care groups (PCGs) and trusts (PCTs)². Empirical evidence on the uptake of these new roles and the consequential impact they are having on pharmacy workforce is, however, lacking.

Method

As part of a larger study, a postal survey of pharmacists working in primary care (PCPs) was conducted, which aimed in part, to help assess the extent and nature of pharmacist involvement in this setting. For the purposes of this research, PCPs have been defined as those working in general practice, for PCGs, PCTs or HAs, and on a full time, part time or sessional basis. A sample comprising 698 PCPs was constructed using various sources; from information obtained directly from PCGs, PCTs and HAs, and from Binley's database. Forms were also distributed at two National Prescribing Centre conferences. Questionnaires were disseminated over a two-month period between March and May 2001. A response rate of 62% (n=433) was achieved.

Results

The findings revealed most survey respondents operate at a PCG/PCT-wide level (n=249, 58%), of whom a small proportion (n=46, 18%) undertake general practice work as part of this. Two smaller groups of PCPs were identified from the sample; pharmacists working on a HA-wide basis (n=49, 11%), and at a more local level, general practice-based pharmacists (n=72, 17%). These two contrasting groups were found to account for the main differences observed in the sample. A greater proportion of HA pharmacists were found to be male in comparison to the sample (n=433), representing 35% and 27%, respectively. HA pharmacists were on average slightly older than the sample (42 years and 39 years, respectively) and were found to have worked in this field for just over six years. Pharmacists operating at HA level work an average of 34 hours per week and a third of this group also work in other sectors, although to a much lesser extent. By way of contrast, practice-based pharmacists have worked in primary care for just over 2 years, where they currently work an average of 20 hours per week. Just over half of this sub group (n=38, 52%) also work an average of 21 hours per week in community pharmacy, with a small number (n=15, 21%) working an average of 19 hours per week in the hospital sector.

Discussion

The findings presented on these two extreme cases clearly indicate that PCPs are not a homogenous group, in terms of their socio-demographic characteristics, with different types of work in primary care attracting different groups of pharmacists. Many PCPs, in particular those who are practice-based, have adopted a pattern of 'portfolio working' and continue to work in both community and hospital pharmacy.

References

1. Mason P. Pharmaceutical Advisers in focus. Pharm J 1996;256:792-5.

2. National Prescribing Centre/NHS Executive. Competencies for Pharmacists Working in Primary Care. 2000.